Monday, 11 March 2019

ART OF THE MATTER: The National Gallery of Jamaica is now accepting submissions for the 2019 Summer Exhibition. The invitation is open to all artists resident in Jamaica, all Jamaican artists resident abroad, and artists of direct Jamaican parentage living abroad. Artists may submit up to two works for exhibition, and the works should have been completed within the last three years. Deadline for submission: Monday, April 8. The selection committee will be comprised of two local judges and one international judge. Entry categories include painting, drawing (pastel and watercolor included), original print, collage, photography, sculpture (including assemblage), installations, ceramic, fibre art, audio-visual, and performance. Visit nationalgalleryofjamaica.wordpress.com for more information. The 2019 Summer Exhibition opens on July 28 and will be on view through October 27.

MEET THE PRESS: Managing Director of The Gleaner Company, Christopher Barnes, has been re-elected Chairman of the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ), which is led by a nine-member executive comprising representatives from six independently owned media businesses. The elected Vice-Chairs are Debbian Dewar (Grove Broadcasting/Irie RM) and Steve Billings (SunCity Radio). Rounding out the executive: Dennis Howard (Radio Jamaica), Claire Grant (TV-J), Keith Campbell (Public Broadcasting Corporation), D’Adra Williams (Zip 103 FM), Kenneth Grant (Nationwide News Network) and Danville Walker (Jamaica Observer). Andrea Messam (treasurer) and Shena Stubbs-Gibson (secretary) have retained their respective posts. The association has vowed to continue to fight the good fight. “The media landscape in Jamaica is fraught with issues which will erode the sustainability of the industry if not addressed through a collective effort,” the body said in a release. “A free and sustainable media is crucial for maintaining democracy.”

GETTING CONNECTED: The Universal Service Fund (USF) will be increasing the number of free Wi-Fi zones across the island, as part of a drive to facilitate greater internet access for Jamaicans. Kwan Wilson, the USF’s Director of Projects, says St. James and Portland are among the rural parishes now being targeted for new Wi-Fi sites. Secure, public hotspots are already available in high-traffic areas in Manchester, St. Elizabeth and the Corporate Area, allowing citizens to use the web at little or no cost for research, bill payments, educational processes and social networking, etc.